Atacama, the driest place on Earth, boasts a landscape that is eerily similar to Mars due to its extreme aridity. Before my journey to Atacama, I hadn’t come across any travel notes suggesting that you could cycle to the Moon Valley. Yes, it was me, driven by a tight budget, who cycled nearly 50 kilometers to explore this lunar-like wonder.
I’m here to share an alternative, albeit adventurous, way to reach the Moon Valley. Just be sure to take precautions if you decide to pedal your way there! 🚴♂️
Bike rental: The charming town of San Pedro de Atacama may be small, but it offers several options for bicycle rentals. I personally rented from two different places. One charged 10,000 pesos, while the other was a bit more affordable at 7,000 pesos (10,000 pesos is approximately 75 RMB). Both rentals included a helmet and reflective vest, and were available for 6 hours without requiring a deposit or passport.
🎫Moon Valley Ticket: 10,800 pesos or 80 RMB, payable by card. The ticket office will provide you with a detailed map to guide your adventure.
🗺️Route: The journey from the town to Moon Valley (Valle de Luna) is a scenic 12-kilometer drive. Within the valley, there are four breathtaking viewpoints to explore:
1️⃣From the entrance, it’s a 5km drive followed by a 2km walk to the first viewpoint, Duna Mayor. Here, you’ll find two observation decks offering panoramic views, and it takes about an hour to fully explore on foot.
2️⃣The second viewpoint, Achaches, is just 1.2 kilometers away, taking approximately 20 minutes to visit on foot. This spot provides a unique perspective of the lunar-like landscape.
3️⃣Next, head to the third viewpoint, Mina de Sal, which is 1 kilometer away. This historic salt mine offers a fascinating glimpse into the area’s past and takes about 30 minutes to explore on foot.
4️⃣The final point, Tres Marias, is 1.5 kilometers away. While it may seem less exciting, with just a few weathered rocks, it still offers a serene and reflective space. If you’re feeling too tired, you can skip this stop without missing much.
⚠️Essential Tips: Bring plenty of water and snacks! The Moon Valley is extremely sunny, and even though November temperatures aren’t scorching, the lack of shade makes it feel very hot. Once you leave the town, there are no supplies available, and nothing is sold within the scenic area.
⚠️Sun Protection: The altitude here exceeds 2,000 meters, making UV rays particularly strong. I wore a face mask for sun protection throughout my visit and never took it off. It’s crucial to protect yourself from the harsh sun.
⚠️Cycling Regulations: Cycling is only permitted in the park from 8-11 am. The ticket office explained that this is due to the increased number of tour buses in the afternoon, and the single road poses a risk of accidents. In the afternoon, cyclists might be denied entry. A full cycling tour of the scenic area takes around 4-5 hours, so plan accordingly.
🌅Sunset Viewing: The sunset in Moon Valley is a spectacular sight, occurring around 7:30 pm. The best spot to watch the sunset is at Mirador Ckari, located about 10 kilometers outside the scenic area. For the best experience, aim to arrive by 7 pm.
🌟Travel Tip: Joining a guided tour to Moon Valley costs approximately 30,000-35,000 pesos, excluding the ticket. While cycling is a cost-effective option, it’s best suited for those who are physically fit and enjoy a challenge, as it can be quite tiring. If I had known the vast size of the scenic area and the difficulty of cycling, with many slopes and sandy terrain, I would have opted for a tour [crying emoji]. However, the stunning scenery along the way is truly worth the effort.
